The events of this action were of much greater moment than such as frequently arise from the vindictive conflicts of greater numbers, as it preserved a large convoy from falling into the hands of the enemy, which would have otherwise been its fate, upon the very day it was fought.
Admiral Rodney was very active with his flying squadron, while our Grand Fleet, by its vigilance and occasional descents, entirely cut up the enemy's commerce, and kept their sea-coasts in a state of constant alarm, under the successive commands of Admirals Boscawen and Hawke.
The nation had to deplore the loss of its Sovereign on the morning of the 25th of October, who died alike beloved and regretted by every class of his subjects.
Upon the noon of the following day, his present Majesty was proclaimed King of these Realms, and very early afforded the most impressive earnests of predilection for his native Land, its glory, and its happiness.
The magnanimous benevolence of Englishmen was at this period highly conspicuous to their distressed fellow-countrymen, who were prisoners in France, and whose sufferings from penury and nakedness were of a kind the most extreme.
Sympathizing with their distresses, subscriptions were set on foot, and it was not long ere they were relieved by the most liberal supplies. The public generosity was not confined within the pale of its own kindred, but was stretched forth even towards our captive foes, whose wants were most imperious, but from which their nation was unable to deliver them.
When we reflect upon such noble acts of fellow-feeling, the man who is insensible to the reciprocal duties of fidelity and gratitude, deserves not the virtuous title of a Briton. The world also must cease to wonder at the many signal instances of Divine interposition in favor of this little island, when it considers that Providence is thus vindicating his own ways, in behalf of a people, who are uniformly guided by the sacred precepts, and godlike impulse, "of forgiving, and doing good to their enemies."